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Difficulty: HardJoining the Motorway

As you negotiate the curve of a slip road and move onto the acceleration lane to join free-flowing motorway traffic, in what chronological sequence should you carry out the necessary actions?

  1. 1Assess the speed and density of traffic in lane 1 using your interior and right door mirrors.
  2. 2Accelerate along the acceleration lane to match the cruising speed of traffic on the main carriageway.
  3. 3Signal right in good time to communicate your intention to merge into an identified safe gap.
  4. 4Perform a final blind-spot check over your right shoulder to verify lane 1 is clear alongside you.
  5. 5Move smoothly into the gap in lane 1, cancel the indicator, and establish a safe following distance.

Answer

The correct sequence is: assess lane 1 traffic in mirrors, accelerate to match carriageway speed, signal right to indicate intention, perform a final right-shoulder blind spot check, and smoothly merge into the gap while cancelling the signal.
According to Highway Code Rule 259, joining traffic must give priority to traffic already on the main carriageway. The safe joining sequence begins with early mirror observation, followed by accelerating to match traffic speed, signalling right to indicate intention, performing a vital right-shoulder blind spot check, and finally merging smoothly into the gap while cancelling the indicator.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Check interior and right door mirrors on the approach to lane 1.
Gains an accurate picture of traffic speed, vehicle types, and spacing on the motorway.
Early observation allows the driver to plan acceleration and identify merging opportunities without causing hesitation.
2
Use the acceleration lane to build speed to match lane 1 traffic.
Vehicle reaches appropriate motorway speed without disrupting the flow of existing traffic.
Highway Code Rule 259 requires drivers to adjust speed on the acceleration lane so they do not force traffic to brake.
3
Apply the right indicator in good time.
Informs drivers already on the carriageway of the planned merge.
Timely signalling allows drivers in lane 1 to anticipate your movement and adjust position if possible.
4
Take a quick glance over the right shoulder into the blind spot.
Confirms no overtaking vehicle or motorcycle is positioned in the unmonitored zone beside the rear quarter.
Door mirrors cannot eliminate blind spots, making a physical shoulder check vital before crossing lane markings.
5
Guide the vehicle across the broken lines into lane 1, turn off the indicator, and adjust separation distance.
Safely integrated into motorway flow without trailing signals or tailgating.
Cancelling the indicator prevents confusing following traffic, and establishing the two-second rule ensures ongoing safety.

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 259: Safe procedure for joining a motorway via a slip road and acceleration lane.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Joining the Motorway

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